Adam Peaty’s brother James, left, has been arrested over allegations he sent threats to the Olympian during his stag-doCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia

Adam Peaty’s family drama has intensified dramatically after his elder brother, James Peaty, was arrested over claims he sent troubling messages to the Olympian during his stag celebrations abroad.

Adam is set to wed Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Holly next monthCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

James, 34, was questioned by police for two days before being released on conditional bail, following allegations that he sent a series of verbal threats to Adam, 30, while the swimmer was celebrating his stag weekend in Budapest.

Dad Mark and mum Caroline Peaty accompanied Adam when he received his OBE in 2022Credit: Unknown

Just days earlier, news broke that Adam’s mother, Caroline, 59, had been removed from the guest list for his Christmas wedding to fiancée Holly Ramsay, 25. The decision followed a major fallout — with Adam reportedly being called a “narcissist” by his own relatives.

A source connected to the Ramsay family indicated that the conflict runs far deeper than a simple disagreement over wedding invitations. According to the insider, the Peaty family has been facing significant internal issues, and concerns have arisen over unpleasant messages allegedly directed at Adam and Holly.

One family insider told the Daily Mail: “The boys were always close. James even helped Adam renovate his home. But things have changed, especially since Adam’s fame, lifestyle and new family dynamics.”

The source added that James’s arrest, combined with Caroline’s exclusion from the wedding, has left the Peaty household overwhelmed. “It’s distressing. The family is devastated.”

Reports also revealed that Adam was given a substantial police escort through Manchester Airport upon returning from his stag weekend. Staffordshire Police confirmed: “We arrested a 34-year-old man from the Uttoxeter area on 11 November 2025 on suspicion of harassment. He has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.”

Although James has not been charged, the family described the situation as “deeply worrying,” especially given the public nature of the dispute. Adam’s father, Mark, commented: “They’re brothers. They’ve always been close. Families argue — it happens. But this has gone too far.”

The feud escalated further after claims surfaced of disturbing messages being sent to Adam during his trip, prompting fears for his safety upon landing back in the UK. Sources said Adam was accompanied off the aircraft by multiple uniformed officers and monitored through the airport for cautionary purposes.

A friend close to the couple said the ongoing drama “goes so much deeper than a hen party or wedding invites.” Meanwhile, Holly was photographed for the first time since the feud unfolded, holding a “Bride” phone case—an image that quickly circulated.

Those close to Adam and Holly say Gordon Ramsay and wife Tana have been fully supportive of the couple during the turmoil.

It’s understood that Adam and James have barely spoken since June. James was originally set to act as one of Adam’s groomsmen, but tensions over comments made in Adam’s book The Gladiator Mindset caused a major rift. Matters reportedly grew worse during the couple’s engagement celebration.

The drama then spilled onto social media. Members of the Peaty family suggested they were being pushed aside because they were “simple people,” not fitting the polished image of the Ramsays. Sources close to the Ramsays rejected these claims.

The wedding, expected to take place at Bath Abbey this Christmas, is set to welcome high-profile guests — including Sir David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, longtime family friends.

However, the Peaty family revealed that only Adam’s sister Bethany is currently expected to attend the event, with other relatives unable to meet travel and accommodation costs.

The dispute widened when Adam’s family accused his camp of “body shaming” his mother. They also claimed he was not being true to their shared Christian values by distancing himself from relatives.

The conflict can reportedly be traced back to a planned trip to Bath, where Caroline had selected a dress for the wedding. According to the family, the outfit was rejected by Adam and Holly, who offered to purchase a different one. Travel arrangements were disrupted due to train cancellations, and tensions spiraled from there.

Caroline’s sister, Louise, took to social media to outline why Caroline had been excluded from events, accusing Adam of distancing himself due to embarrassment over his brothers’ challenges and the family’s working-class background. Louise wrote that Caroline felt deeply hurt, having once opened her home and heart to Holly.

Louise continued defending her sister in lengthy posts, insisting Caroline has a “heart bigger than China” and deserved better treatment. Her comments reportedly upset Adam and Holly, who viewed the posts as inflammatory during an already painful family crisis.

A close family source said Adam later contacted his mother to inform her she would no longer attend the wedding, and that future contact could be restricted. Caroline responded with an emotional social media message: “Crying is how your eyes speak when your mouth can’t explain how broken your heart is.”

Her post was met with support from friends and relatives, expressing heartbreak over how fractured the once close-knit family has become.